Okay, Brian. The building should just sit empty for another decade? Because without Mr. Alexander taking the bull by the reins, it probably will.

And I too think University Properties is doing a pretty good job. But in this case they can certainly do better. If we want to have a stronger retail environment, and fill up these vacancies, maybe the community should join with the businesses, City and Yale to figure out a more progressive parking policy. Right Broadway has the only retail friendly parking in the Downtown area.

With 360 State going in, the vision should be for eight great blocks of Chapel Street running from State to Orange-Church-Temple-College-High-York-Park-Howe.

Obviously the grocery store at 360 State, (please tell me it's happening), will be a fantastic anchor. And the College-High-York blocks will remain the showcase, what with being in the middle of Yale, and being home to the art galleries. In fact, add the York to Park block into that solid middle, with the Study and Yale Art and Architecture schools.

So the focus for now should really be those two blocks along the New Haven Green. Why are there so many empty storefronts? Is the problem parking? Or is it the Malley property on the corner of Temple and Chapel? Or does it not feel safe?

Here's hoping Yale takes the lead. And the City's economic development people should ask the Malley heirs to sell, or if not, consider eminent domain. Wouldn't a mixed-use redevelopment work very well there?

That's a very dangerous intersection for pedestrians, and you'd think Yale would do something about it.

The problem is that Temple Street is narrow. Too narrow for safety.

With cars parked on both sides, there is barely enough room for the two lanes of traffic, and the sight lines for a driver heading down Temple are bad.

Also, it is so tight driving, that you always have to keep an eye out for the car in the lane next to you (for fear that it might slide over into your lane and side-swipe you). In heavy traffic this captures a good deal of your focus and attention, meaning keeping an eye out for pedestrians becomes a secondary.

Finally Temple Street is a major artery into the downtown grid, and the through traffic is always in a hurry.

I think the city should think about getting rid of parking on one side of the street or the other. Either that, or use additional stop lights and engineering to slow the cars down, as otherwise it is only a matter of time until a pedestrian gets clipped or killed.

My gosh. If you're an officer on the job in New Haven, and you want to grab a quick cup of coffee, what are you supposed to do? Circle the block looking for a meter? Pull into the garage a block down the street, pay to park, and spend precious minutes walking to and from?

If what the officer was doing had a real effect on pedestrian safety I'd join with Jeff. But it doesn't, and is mere nit-picking.

The fact that if you or I did what they did we might be ticketed is meaningless. These officers are on duty, working hard and risking their very lives to keep us all safe.

Is the problem a storm drain, or is it that there is a depression in the street which causes the water to puddle. (generally to a depth of 4-6"). I was out there one day with Sanjay of College Wine, and we thought the problem was that there was no drain! fwiw.